The Smarter Sentencing Act - Tell Congress We Want Smarter Sentencing!

One of the benefits of belonging to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is getting updates on their efforts to encourage Congress to make better laws.

NACDL uses congressional district working periods as opportunities to encourage its members to meet with their Washington representatives about important legislative issues.

This upcoming Spring Recess gives us an opportune time to meet with elected officials in Washington about the benefits of the bi-partisan Smarter Sentencing Act.

The Smarter Sentencing Act is truly a bi-partisan effort and has a great deal of support from both sides of the aisle.

The NACDL is encouraging its members to help educate our representatives on the positive impact this legislation will have on the criminal justice system. Opponents are increasing their efforts to derail this much needed reform.

So it is important to call, write and visit your representative.

 According to the NACDL, the Smarter Sentencing Act would:

• "Cut mandatory minimum sentences for most drug offenses in half;
• Expand the drug offense safety valve to include more defendants with minor criminal histories;
• Make the reduced crack cocaine penalties under the Fair Sentencing Act fully retroactive; and
• Require the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other agencies to publicly identify every offense within their purview, as well as the applicable mens rea and penalty." 

Contact your representative and ask them to vote in favor of the bill and oppose efforts to undercut the bill with harmful amendments.

Leave a message below and I'll fax it over if I get any comments. Better yet, make a call.

If you live in Tampa, contact:

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Washington, D.C. Office:
284 Russell Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3041
Fax: (202) 228-0285

Orlando Office:
201 South Orange Avenue, Suite 350
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: (407) 254-2573
Fax: (407) 423-0941

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL)

Washington, D.C. Office:
716 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274
Fax: (202) 228-2183

Orlando Office:
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161
Fax: (407) 872-7165

Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14th)

Website: castor.house.gov

Washington, D.C. Office:

205 Cannon House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3376
Fax: (202) 225-5652 

Tampa Office: (more district offices)

4144 North Armenia Avenue, Suite 300
Tampa, Florida 33607
Phone: (813) 871-2817
Fax: (813) 871-2864